Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop has praised the role of Kishorn Port in driving economic growth and renewable innovation following a visit to the site on 6 August.
Speaking after touring the Highlands facility, Ms Hyslop described the Port as a key player in Scotland’s maritime future, with local and national benefits extending well beyond its dry dock.
“Ports and harbours are crucial gateways to Scotland and I fully recognise the important contribution of a resilient and diverse maritime sector to Scotland’s economy,” she said.
“One such example of the strength of this industry is Kishorn Port and Dry Dock, where I recently had the opportunity to see first-hand how Scotland is supporting economic growth through ports and shipping.”
Kishorn Port is home to one of Europe’s largest dry docks and has a proud industrial history.
Today, it continues to play a vital role in the Highlands economy as both a major employer and a strategic site for offshore renewables.
The Cabinet Secretary met with leadership teams from Kishorn Port and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to discuss the area’s potential and the transport challenges of transitioning to a low-emission economy.
During the visit, she welcomed news of £24 million in public investment recently announced by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to help expand the dry dock and reclaim land, enabling Kishorn to support the construction of floating offshore wind turbine foundations.
This expansion is expected to bring skilled jobs to the region, attract further private investment, and position the site as a gateway to Scotland’s growing offshore wind industry.
“Investment is key as we move towards a net zero economy,” said Ms Hyslop.
“Encouraging private investment is central to developing our maritime infrastructure, and this development will support skilled jobs and promote wider regional growth.”
She also underlined the importance of ensuring that Highland communities see real, lasting benefits from Scotland’s renewable energy transition.
“Our maritime sector is diverse, and Scotland’s ports are critical in helping to unlock our huge offshore wind potential,” she said.
“However, it is also vital that local communities, such as those in the Highlands, reap the benefits of the global renewables market as we move to sustainably reduce emissions.”
Reflecting on her visit, the Cabinet Secretary spoke of the wider importance of transport not only as infrastructure, but as a central pillar of economic and social progress.
“Too often, transport is viewed as separate from the economy,” she said.
“However, we know the sector influences and improves our lives in a number of ways.
“Transport is one of this Government’s key levers to grow the economy, improve outcomes and tackle the climate emergency.”
